Paula Costa

M.S. Student, University of the Republic, Uruguay

Research: Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis): A Long-term Study of the Populations Dynamics and Identification of Marine Protected Areas in Uruguay

Species/Topic: Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis)

Abstract: The southern right whale (SRW), Eubalaena australis, is considered the rarest of large whales and the population was driven to the edge of extinction during the XVIII and XIX centuries. However, the SRW is an example of the ability of a species to recover from large-scale exploitation with protections in place. At present the species is in the conservation dependant category (IUCN). Uruguay is considered a SRW socialization and likely mating ground. This project will collect data by conducting aerial surveys and photo identification. This project aims: a) to determine the status of the population, b) to recommend potential marine protected areas and to establish conservation and management plans for SRW. The findings of this project will be an important keystone for the National System of Protected Areas in their process of establishing Marine Protected Areas.